5.5 Kilos of Suspected Marijuana Seized at Tacloban Parcel Hub

Posted on October 27, 2026 at 8:35 PM

Tacloban City — Authorities recovered about 5.5 kilograms of suspected marijuana and a vape containing suspected cannabis oil during a K9-assisted inspection at a Flash Express hub in Barangay 95-A Caibaan, Tacloban City, on October 27.

The initial report did not identify the parcels’ origin or their intended recipients.

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency’s Anti-Illegal Drugs Unit (PDEA-AIU) Regional Office 8 Inspection Section, conducted the K9-assisted search at around 4:30 p.m.

The recovered items included four bricks of suspected dried marijuana wrapped in transparent cling film, weighing about five kilograms and valued at P1.165 million.

Two vacuum-sealed packs containing suspected dried marijuana leaves, stalks and fruiting tops were also seized. These weighed around 500 grams and had an estimated street value of P116,500.

Authorities also found a vape containing 1,000 milligrams of suspected cannabis oil, identified in the report by the brand name Cali Honey. It was valued at P5,000.

The total estimated street value of the suspected drugs was P1.281 million. Their reported standard value was P1.375 million.

Investigators also recovered two waybills, which could help establish the shipment’s origin and intended destination. However, the initial report did not identify the sender or recipients.

No arrests were reported.

The report also did not say whether the parcels had been traced or whether investigators had identified anyone who may be connected to the shipment. It was also unclear whether the inspection was part of a regular K9 operation or was prompted by specific intelligence information.

The seizure raises questions about the possible use of courier services to transport illegal drugs in Eastern Visayas. Whether the October 27 recovery was an isolated incident or part of a wider pattern remains to be established.

Records of previous drug seizures at courier facilities in the region could help shed light on the issue. PDEA Region 8 has yet to provide details on whether similar cases have been recorded and how many resulted in the identification or arrest of suspects.

The agency also has yet to disclose whether the recovered substances have undergone laboratory examination or whether charges will be filed.

For now, the people behind the shipment remain unidentified, as do the parcels’ point of origin and intended destination.

Authorities will need to trace the waybills and establish who sent and was supposed to receive the parcels to determine who may be held accountable.

Photos by: Alfadz Jussil Prado